Vaginal Dryness Specialist

Canterbury Women's Health Care

Gynecologists located in Fresno, CA

One out of three women going through menopause experiences vaginal dryness, but there are solutions to address this uncomfortable symptom. The experienced gynecologists at Canterbury Women’s Health Care in Fresno, California, offer innovative solutions like MonaLisa Touch® to improve your vaginal health. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn about your options to relieve vaginal dryness.

Vaginal Dryness Q & A

What is vaginal dryness?

Usually, declining levels of estrogen in your body cause vaginal dryness. Estrogen plays a vital role in keeping the lining of the vagina lubricated, thick, elastic, and healthy.

When estrogen levels drop, your body produces less of this clear fluid, and the vagina becomes thinner and less elastic. This condition is called vaginal atrophy.

What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?

An uncomfortable symptom of menopause, vaginal dryness is even more common during postmenopausal years. In addition to menopause, estrogen levels can drop because of:

Radiation or chemotherapy

Surgical removal of the ovaries

Anti-estrogen medications

Childbirth and breastfeeding

Additional causes of vaginal dryness include:

Medications like allergy, cold, and antidepressants

Douching, bubble baths, or scented soaps

Some autoimmune disorders

Lack of foreplay before sexual intercourse

More than a minor irritation, vaginal dryness can have a huge impact on your sex life and self-confidence.

How is vaginal dryness diagnosed?

Discomfort in the vaginal area that includes itching, burning, or discomfort could indicate vaginal dryness. Determining the cause of your vaginal dryness is an essential step to finding an effective treatment.

Your doctor conducts a pelvic exam and physical that includes reviewing your health history to determine possible causes of your vaginal discomfort.

Are there treatments for vaginal dryness?

Several treatments for vaginal dryness exist and are chosen based on the cause of your symptoms. In addition to vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy is often used to replace missing estrogen. These topical estrogen treatments are usually delivered vaginally and may have side effects like breast pain and vaginal bleeding.